THE IMPLICATIONS OF DIALECT USE AND ORALITY IN MODERN AFRICAN FICTION: Case Study of Ngugi Wa Thiong’O’s Selected Novels

Abstract

This doctoral dissertation which is under the title, “The Implications of Dialect Use and Orality in Modern African Fiction” focuses on the two selected African novels; namely, Weep Not, Child and Petals of Blood by the Kenyan author Ngugi Wa Thiong'o. The purpose of this research is to show that the use of the dialect in African fiction is unique, it goes beyond mere communication; it is intended to satisfy both the sender and the receiver of the same origins as the case of Ngugi Wa Thiong'O who uses "Gikuyu" dialect in his novels as a sign of his African identity and to prove the truth that he masters both the language and culture elements in his literary writings. Moreover, the study confirms that the use of dialect and orality in fiction does not demean the value of literature but is rather the faithful representation of African identity